Police make four further arrests in connection with ‘sickening attack’ on Mildenhall father-of-three

Police have made four more arrests in connection with a ‘sickening’ attack that left a Mildenhall father-of-three in a coma.

Football fan Simon Dobbin, 42, and a small group of supporters were assaulted in East Street, Southend, by a group of men who came out of the nearby Railway Tavern.

Simon Dobbin, from Mildenhalll, has been left with serious head injuries after being attacked in Southend.

He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He is now conscious but remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man from Basildon, two men from Southend aged 32 and 20, and a 24-year-old man from Rochford on suspicion of violent disorder and GBH.

The men in their 20s were released on police bail pending further enquiries until August 5 and the remaining two were bailed until August 6.

It brings the total number of arrests made to eight.

Three men from Southend, aged 19, 22, and 33, and a 24-year-old man from Westcliff, who were all arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, have been bailed until early July, pending further enquiries.

DCI Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Dobbin has received life-changing injuries as a result of this incident.

“He was an entirely innocent victim who was simply enjoying a day out with a friend.

“He could have been anyone’s father, son or brother.

“I am convinced there are witnesses out there who are yet to come forward and I would appeal for them to contact us as they may have vital evidence to help us bring those responsible for this sickening attack to justice.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the Harlow Major Investigation Room on 01279 621802.